Gameweek 5 Preview – Veteran vs. Newcomer

September 15, 2011 ★

After a frantic European midweek adventure we focus on Gameweek 5 in this edition of the Friday Foreplay. The game of the week is the top of the table clash between Manchester United and Chelsea, where newcomer André Villas-Boas tests his wits against veteran Sir Alex Ferguson.

Remember that the game previews are in many cases short-term recommendations based on the next Gameweek. You should pick most of your squad for the long-term results, with a few players up for rotation since you only get one free substitution each week.

General recommendations

Regurgitated recommendation 1: Captain one of your best attacking players because the bonus point system favors goal scorers.

Regurgitated recommendation 3: Avoid silly mistakes in picking injured players. Use the information in “Injuries and suspensions” for each team below.

Basing the captain picks on the above regurgitation and the analysis below we arrive at:

Wayne Rooney

Leighton Baines

David Silva

Differential: Adebayor and Suarez.

Manchester United v Chelsea

United had the upper hand in this matchup throughout last season and with the form of the teams it is hard to see past a United victory. Both teams have let in goals so we could see a high scoring game at Old Trafford.

Picks

Rooney: In spite of the tough fixture, Rooney is my captain’s pick for the Gameweek. He is too hot to handle, and United are a frightening prospect at home.

Punts

Hernandez: His speed could trouble the Chelsea defence, as witnessed by his goal when the sides last met in the Champions League. Both Rooney and Hernandez are in fine form and Ferguson commented that he thinks it likely that both will score over 25 goals this season.

Warnings

Chelsea forwards: With Torres set up both Chelsea’s goals in the Champions League tie against Leverkusen and Sturridge scoring in the last League game it is tough to predict the starting lineup. Add in Anelka, Malouda, Mata, and Kalou and you could end up with your Chelsea striker on the bench, likely to get 1 point as a substitute.

Injuries and suspensions

Tottenham v Liverpool

Both teams’ defences have looked suspect and I can foresee a glut of goals in the game.

Picks

Adebayor: Redknapp has likely found his target man for the season in Adebayor, who scored on his debut. I like the look of Adebayor and he was my transfer in this week. A possible captain pick, but a risky one.

Suarez: The Uruguayan is playing well and has been unlucky to not have picked up points in the last couple of Gameweeks.

Punts

Downing: Has been lively in Liverpool’s attacks and is bound to break his duck soon. A bit of an outside punt.

Warnings

Carroll: Although Tottenham’s injury plagued defence would suit Carroll’s heading threat, he isn’t set to start.

Aston Villa v Newcastle

With Newcastle’s great defensive record this season, this game has a good chance of providing both teams’ defenders’ with a clean sheet.

Picks

Given: If Villa stay compact he could both receive a clean sheet bonus and collect a few east saves from hopeless long range efforts.

S. Taylor: Has already received 6 bonus points and could steal some again in a scoreless draw.

Punts

Bent: Always likely to score, simple as that. The downside is his lack of service this season.

Cabaye: An interesting budget midfield option that has already picked up points. Likely to get better as gets accustomed to the Premier League.

Warnings

Although a useless warning in my last Gameweek preview, I’m repeating it: Santon was bought for the left back role, so R. Taylor’s starting place is in doubt. Although with Santon a doubt for this Gameweek, this is more of a long-term warning.

Injuries and suspensions

Sunderland v Stoke City

A tale of two cities; Stoke look to extend their excellent start to the season, while Sunderland seek to break from their depressive start.

Picks

Brown: A controversial pick, in light of Sunderland’s form. Brown has been the one bright light in Sunderland’s performances and I have a feeling Bruce will play it tight against Stoke. Stoke are normally much worse away from home.

Punts

Mignolet: Another surprising pick. But I can foresee a glut of saves and glimmer of hope for a clean sheet.

Walters: Stoke’s penalty taker and playing as a forward despite being classified as a forward in the Fantasy game. A budget midfielder with promise.

Warnings

Jones: Started on the bench against Liverpool. Walter’s and Crouch could be Pulis’ front line this season.

Wolves v QPR

Wolves suffered their first setback this season against Tottenham last Gameweek, while a rejuvenated QPR was unlucky to only draw against a defensively sound Newcastle team.

Picks

Ward: In spite of the Tottenham loss, Wolves are likely to be a tough nut to crack at home this season. Ward has picked up 5 bonus points in four games, and is a good defensive budget pick this Gameweek.

Punts

Wright-Phillips: Looked sharp against Newcastle and with QPR looking much stronger after the deadline day imports, Wright-Phillips will probably have a decent Fantasy season. Perhaps a buy this week for the long-term, rather than his potential against Wolves.

Gabbidon: Not a high percentage play, but a useful budget player in an improved QPR defence.

Warnings

Buzsaky: Dropped last Gameweek and is likely to be a bench warmer this season with the glut of new players at the club.

Bolton v Norwich

Bolton hope to pick up their first points of the season after a nightmare starting fixtures containing City, Liverpool, and United. Have looked decent apart from the United drubbing and should claim a victory over newly promoted Norwich.

Picks

Klasnic: Budget forward that has looked sharp. Has three goals in four games and will test the Norwich defence.

Petrov: If Klasnic scores, chances are the assist will be provide by Petrov. Does not provide much defensive cover but has a deadly left foot.

Punts

Cahill: An expensive defender that I would not recommend for the long run, but is likely to have chances to both score and keep a clean sheet this week.

Warnings

Boyata/Robinson: Steinsson is back so one of the fullbacks will be dropped.

Everton v Wigan

Despite their woeful start against QPR, Everton have looked better at the start of this season than most predicted. Wigan has struggled against the promoted teams which does not bode well.

Picks

Baines: Captain potential this Gameweek, based on his potential to provide assists, a clean sheet, and bonus points. Back on penalty duties after Arteta’s departure, Baines continues to provide a potent attacking threat for Everton.

Tim Cahill: With Everton’s dearth of exciting strikers, Cahill is likely to start the game up top. Provided an assist last Gameweek and is a proven Fantasy point scorer.

Punts

Fellaini: Could pose a threat in Wigan’s box with his strength and height. Not worth purchasing for only this Gameweek.

Warnings

Di Santo: Has been substituted halfway through the second-half in every game this season. You want your strikers to play as much as possible to be more likely to pick up goals.